Bourbon Chicken Crockpot
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls for bold New Orleans-inspired flavors, this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is it. Growing up, I learned the beauty of simmering sauces and slow cooking from my abuela, and this recipe instantly reminded me of that same comfort. The chicken turns melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky sauce. Every spoonful tastes like comfort with a little Cajun soul. If you’re searching for summer crockpot recipes or an easy slow cooker dinner, this bourbon chicken recipe crockpot version will become a family favorite.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 4 hours 35 minutes |
| Servings | 6 people |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | New Orleans-inspired |
| Best Season | Summer or anytime |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Set it and forget it: With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the work, giving you juicy chicken in a flavorful bourbon sauce.
- Sweet and savory balance: Brown sugar and soy sauce create a beautiful caramel-like glaze that coats every bite of chicken.
- Crowd-pleasing flavors: This dish brings a mix of Cajun comfort with Asian-inspired flavors, making it a versatile crockpot recipe slow cooker fans adore.
- Perfect for busy nights: Since it simmers all day, you can come home to a hot, ready-to-eat meal.
- Easy to customize: Swap bourbon for apple juice, whiskey, or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Comfort
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender and juicy chicken thighs simmered in a brown sugar bourbon sauce all day long. This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and the perfect slow cooker dinner!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup bourbon (or whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
1. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper and place in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic until combined. Pour over chicken.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Whisk cornstarch with cold water, then stir into sauce 30 minutes before chicken is done.
5. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.
Notes
You can swap apple juice or chicken broth for bourbon.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in vegetables like bell peppers in the last hour.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: New Orleans-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 327
- Sugar: 27
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 0.05
- Protein: 29
- Cholesterol: 144
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup bourbon (or whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken thighs | Thighs stay juicier than breasts, but you can swap if you prefer leaner meat. |
| Bourbon | Use a mid-range bourbon for best flavor. For non-alcoholic, apple juice works well. |
| Brown sugar | Light brown sugar adds a caramel note, while dark brown sugar gives deeper molasses flavor. |
| Soy sauce | Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish from being too salty. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic gives the best aroma and depth. |
| Cornstarch | Mix with cold water to avoid clumping when added to the sauce. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat dry the chicken thighs, then season both sides with kosher salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Pour and cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid.
- Slow cook: Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Add to the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon chicken and sauce over fluffy rice, then garnish with sliced green onions for freshness.
Helpful Tips
- Always season the chicken before adding the sauce for more depth of flavor.
- Use fresh garlic instead of powdered for the richest taste.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces after cooking if serving to kids.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Layering flavors: Adding the garlic directly into the sauce infuses the entire dish with aroma.
- Timing the slurry: Only add cornstarch near the end, otherwise it may break down and lose its thickening power.
- Rice pairing: Serve with jasmine or basmati rice for the best absorption of sauce.
- Leftover magic: The flavors deepen overnight, making this an even tastier dish the next day.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Honey Bourbon Chicken: Replace half of the brown sugar with honey for a smoother sweetness.
- Vegetable boost: Add bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a colorful touch.
- Gluten-free version: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
You can assemble the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. To freeze, place raw chicken with sauce mixture in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as directed in your crockpot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your crockpot bourbon chicken over fluffy white rice or brown rice to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation.
Pairing Ideas
This slow cooker dinner pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For drinks, a light chardonnay, sweet iced tea, or even sparkling water with lime makes a refreshing match.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. On the stovetop, gently warm over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but keep in mind chicken breasts cook faster and may be less juicy than thighs.
Does the alcohol cook out of bourbon? Most of it cooks off during the long slow cooking process, but you can use apple juice if you prefer no alcohol at all.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot? Yes, cook on high pressure for 8 minutes with natural release for 10 minutes.
What can I serve with bourbon chicken besides rice? Try mashed potatoes, noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
How do I make it spicier? Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños when mixing the sauce.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely, just make sure your crockpot is large enough and extend the cook time slightly.
Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but add an extra hour to the cooking time for food safety and best texture.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 0.5 cup |
| Calories | 327 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0.05 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is proof that simple ingredients and slow cooking can deliver big, bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or an easy summer crockpot recipe, this dish will hit the spot every time.
You may also like my Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Orzo Skillet.
